Mazzulla claims NBA Coach of the Year despite Celtics’ playoff exit
The 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year honours conclude with Joe Mazzulla’s recognition, marking the end of a season defined by regular-season dominance and early postseason elimination.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has been named the 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year, officially concluding the league’s end-of-season awards schedule. The announcement, made on Tuesday, sees Mazzulla finish ahead of finalists J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons and Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs.
Mazzulla secured 62 of the 100 first-place votes and appeared on 96 of the 100 ballots, recording the highest totals among all coaches in the voting process. The award recognises his leadership in guiding the Celtics to 56 wins and the second seed in the Eastern Conference during the 2025-26 campaign.
The achievement occurred despite significant personnel challenges, most notably star forward Jayson Tatum missing the majority of the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Despite these obstacles, the Celtics maintained their performance standards, a feat Mazzulla attributed to the collective commitment of the players and the broader organisation to a consistent process.
At 37 years old, with his 38th birthday falling on June 30, Mazzulla becomes the youngest winner of the award since Phil Johnson in 1975. His overall record with Boston stands at 238-90 over four seasons, the best record in the league during that span, and includes an NBA championship in 2024. He is the fourth coach in franchise history to receive the honour, joining Bill Fitch, Tommy Heinsohn, and Red Auerbach.
The Celtics’ regular-season success contrasts with their postseason outcome, as the team was eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games. Mazzulla credited his coaching staff for their behind-the-scenes contributions, noting the long hours and detailed preparation required to maintain the team’s competitive edge throughout the season.
With the Coach of the Year announcement, the NBA’s awards season is complete. Other honours included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP and Clutch Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama taking Defensive Player of the Year, Nickeil Alexander-Walker as Most Improved Player, Keldon Johnson as Sixth Man of the Year, and Cooper Flagg as Rookie of the Year.
